I need a new computer, should I wait for Windows 7?

The official release of Windows 7 is October 22nd, 2009. The urge to resist buying a new computer until then is tempting, but what if you can’t wait? What if your users need new PC’s right now, but you are worried that you will be getting something that will be obsolete in a few months?

Microsoft is offering a Windows Software Assurance incentive to corporate buyers who purchase new PC’s with Windows Vista Business between April 1, 2009 and July 3, 2009. The incentive is retroactive, so if your purchase occurred after April 1st you are still eligible. Currently the offer only covers Vista Business. Other operating systems do not qualify.

What is Software Assurance?

Software Assurance is a maintenance plan that Microsoft offers on new products. One of the benefits of Software Assurance is that it covers you for software updates released within a certain period of time. Software Assurance is available through Microsoft’s Open Volume Licensing program, available for license purchases of 5 or more. (Also, see our June 2008 newsletter article, What is Microsoft Software Assurance? for more details.)

What is the incentive?

The Software Assurance incentive is a discount on a Microsoft’s Software Assurance plan, which gives you the rights to Windows 7 when it is released. Software Assurance plans can be purchased separately. You have 180 days from the date of your purchase to attach the plan to your new PC’s. So even if you fall outside of the purchase date window to qualify for the discount, you can still get Software Assurance through Microsoft’s Open Licensing program.

What about upgrade incentives for single licenses or home users?

Microsoft has been working with resellers on a program that offers upgrade incentives for PCs for all versions of Microsoft Vista purchased by non-business consumers, however no official announcements about the program have yet been released from Microsoft.

Am I going to have problems upgrading?

If you have Windows Vista, it will be a smoother transition since Windows 7 builds on Vista. There is a direct upgrade option available for Vista that will allow you to do an in-place upgrade over your existing Vista installation. Most software, including drivers, that works in Vista will also work in Windows 7 with some exceptions (such as anti-virus, firewall, some video card drivers and imaging programs). The actual user interface of Windows 7 is also very similar to Vista in that the menus and visual styles are the same. As with any new software release however, there may be a few new things to get used to along the way.

What if I have Windows XP, can I upgrade?

There is no direct upgrade path for Windows XP, so a move to Windows 7 will require a clean install. Existing hardware should be checked to make sure that it can be supported and that drivers are available.

Why Upgrade? What are some things Windows 7 has that others don’t?

Windows 7 was built to run on a smaller footprint than previous operating systems, meaning it is designed to be faster and utilize fewer resources to run. Features such as taskbars and windows have been revamped to give users more customization options and more efficient methods of moving from one task to another.

Wireless network integration has been improved and the new IPsec VPN client (requires Windows Server 2008 R2) allows more seamless VPN connectivity for Windows 7 users working outside of their office.

Enhanced security features in Windows 7 also include Bitlocker which can encrypt portable drives, and Applocker, application managing software to help prevent unauthorized or malicious software from running.

The Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate versions of Windows 7 also include an XP license and the ability to run Windows XP Mode, a virtualized version of Windows XP. The benefit of XP Mode is that it helps eliminate compatibility issues by allowing users to still run older applications.

If you can’t wait to purchase new computers, but really want Windows 7, Software Assurance may be an option worth looking at.